HYPOCRIT Meaning and
Definition
-
Hypocrite is a noun referring to a person who professes beliefs or virtues that they do not actually hold or practice, particularly when they criticize or condemn others for behavior they themselves engage in. This term is derived from the ancient Greek word "hypokrites," which originally designated an actor playing a role in a theatrical production. A hypocrite, therefore, can be seen as someone who assumes a false persona or puts on a performance in order to deceive others about their true character or intentions.
In everyday language, a hypocrite is commonly perceived as someone who advocates for certain moral principles, religious doctrines, or ethical standards but does not adhere to or live by them. They may make pretentious displays of righteousness, while engaging in contradictory actions behind the scenes. Hypocrites often use deception or manipulation to maintain their false image or gain social approval.
The term "hypocrite" can also be used to describe a person who feigns specific feelings, emotions, or opinions for personal gain or to manipulate others. In politics, for instance, it is not uncommon to label politicians as hypocrites when they make promises during election campaigns that they are unwilling or unable to fulfill once in office.
In summary, a hypocrite is an individual who professes virtues or beliefs that are inconsistent with their actual conduct, typically accompanied by condemning or judging others for similar behavior.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCRIT
- hypocryt
- hypacrit
- hypocrate
- hypocrisy
- hypocrite
- gypocrit
- bypocrit
- nypocrit
- jypocrit
- uypocrit
- yypocrit
- htpocrit
- hgpocrit
- hhpocrit
- hupocrit
- h7pocrit
- h6pocrit
- hyoocrit
- hylocrit
- hy-ocrit
Etymology of HYPOCRIT
The word "hypocrit" derives from the Greek word "hypokritḗs", which means "stage actor, pretender, dissembler". It is a compound word formed from "hypó" meaning "under" or "beneath", and "krinó" which means "to judge" or "to separate". In ancient Greek theater, actors would wear masks to portray different characters, and the hypocrites would wear a mask to hide their true identity and pretend to be someone they were not. Over time, the term "hypokritḗs" came to be used metaphorically to refer to someone who feigned a false appearance or acted in a deceitful manner. This Greek term was later anglicized into "hypocrite" in English.
Similar spelling words for HYPOCRIT
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
